CONCORD, N.H. -- The union that represents most New Hampshire state workers wants the state to consider a four-day work week. 

Gary Smith, president of the State Employees Association, says the state could save millions of dollars in utility costs by closing most state offices for three-day weekends. He says workers would stay longer hours but only work four days. 

Gov. John Lynch says the state could save $7 million this year if workers deferred a 5.5 percent pay raise taking effect Jan. 2. Smith says more money could be saved by adopting a four-day work week instead. 

In November, Lynch proposed $20 million in state budget cuts that require legislative action, including $7 million from deferring the pay increase. Lynch could not win support from the 15,000 union-covered workers to give up the increase and lawmakers turned aside his request to defer the raise for 5,000 nonunion workers unless union workers also gave up their raise. 

Lynch and lawmakers are looking for $100 million in savings in the budget year that ends June 30. 

The union has repeatedly said the state should seek solutions other than deferring the raise, such as reducing the state's reliance on consultants and contractors or adopting a four-day work week. 

The union's contract is through June 30, so the discussion is timely.
State hospitals, state police, prisons and other critical institutional settings would not be covered, Smith said. 

State motor vehicle offices and big operations such as the Department of Health and Human Services could be, he said. 

Smith argues taxpayers would save money and would find the system more convenient because some offices would be open longer hours, despite being closed one weekday. 

Utah moved this summer to a four-day week and expects to cut operating expenses 20 percent. 

The union also wants a closer review of contracted services. Bargaining chairman Diana Lacey said contracts often trigger demands for new space, supplies, workers and other expenses. She said consultants who plan conferences also may charge commissions for arranging meeting space, food and other details.